Latest news with #AlanWinde
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Western Cape Government launches R2bn housing project for 2,600 homes
Over 2,600 affordable housing units will rise next to the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town's largest inner-city housing development, Founders Garden. Image: Supplied In a significant move to address the housing shortage and enhance urban living, the Western Cape Government has unveiled its largest inner-city hosing development to date offering more than 2 600 residential units in the heart of Cape Town's CBD. Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, officially unveiled the Founders Garden development on Friday. With a projected value of more than R2 billion, the high-rise, mixed-use project will deliver 1,476 social housing units and 1,162 open-market units, bringing the total to over 2,630 new homes. 'This development is the largest public sector housing development in the CBD,' said Minister Simmers. 'I am extremely proud of how the Western Cape Government is accelerating the delivery of housing opportunities.' The project, situated next to the Artscape Theatre Centre and within walking distance of key public transport nodes and health services, is part of a broader provincial effort to bring affordable housing closer to the city's economic heart. The site will also feature an Early Childhood Development Centre and other public amenities, ensuring it becomes a fully integrated urban space. Premier Winde stressed the broader impact of the initiative. 'This development is a perfect example of how we are approaching affordable housing development, always striving to bring services, housing and recreation closer to communities, while enhancing access to economic opportunities for our residents.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The Founders Garden project is the second of three major inner-city housing developments planned for 2025. The Leeuloop Precinct, offering 840 housing opportunities, has already gone out to tender. The tender for the Founders Garden development, to procure both a developer and social housing institution, was officially published today. 'For us, it is about more than just housing,' said Minister Simmers. 'It is about turning public land into opportunity, Infrastructure must promote spatial justice, empower communities, and create job and economic opportunities for all.' With this ambitious launch, the Western Cape Government is not just building homes, it is building a future where affordable, dignified urban living is within reach for thousands of Cape Town residents. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Western Cape launches R2 billion project for 2,600 new homes in Cape Town
Over 2,600 affordable housing units will rise next to the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town's largest inner-city housing development, Founders Garden. Image: Unsplash In a bold move to tackle the housing shortage and transform urban living, the Western Cape Government has launched its largest inner-city housing development yet, promising over 2,600 residential units in the heart of Cape Town's CBD. Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, officially unveiled the Founders Garden development on Friday. With a projected value of more than R2 billion, the high-rise, mixed-use project will deliver 1,476 social housing units and 1,162 open-market units, bringing the total to over 2,630 new homes. 'This development is the largest public sector housing development in the CBD,' said Minister Simmers. 'I am extremely proud of how the Western Cape Government is accelerating the delivery of housing opportunities.' The project, situated next to the Artscape Theatre Centre and within walking distance of key public transport nodes and health services, is part of a broader provincial effort to bring affordable housing closer to the city's economic heart. The site will also feature an Early Childhood Development Centre and other public amenities, ensuring it becomes a fully integrated urban space. Premier Winde stressed the broader impact of the initiative. 'This development is a perfect example of how we are approaching affordable housing development, always striving to bring services, housing and recreation closer to communities, while enhancing access to economic opportunities for our residents.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The Founders Garden project is the second of three major inner-city housing developments planned for 2025. The Leeuloop Precinct, offering 840 housing opportunities, has already gone out to tender. The tender for the Founders Garden development, to procure both a developer and social housing institution, was officially published today. 'For us, it is about more than just housing,' said Minister Simmers. 'It is about turning public land into opportunity, Infrastructure must promote spatial justice, empower communities, and create job and economic opportunities for all.' With this ambitious launch, the Western Cape Government is not just building homes, it is building a future where affordable, dignified urban living is within reach for thousands of Cape Town residents. IOL News
IOL News
06-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Investment and job creation: Premier Winde hosts Austrian President Van der Bellen
The Federal President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, was received by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde on Saturday. Image: Premier Alan Winde/Facebook The Federal President of the Republic of Austria, Alexander Van der Bellen, was received by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde on Saturday at the official Leeuwenhof residence, where they discussed opportunities for investment and job creation. This comes as Van der Bellen and the first lady of Austria, Doris Schmidauer, arrived in the country as part of a four-day working State Visit with the Austrian delegation to consolidate the long-standing and strong relationship between South Africa and Austria. Premier Alan Winde, who, alongside his wife Tracy, met with the Austrian leader and Schmidauer, said that their meeting was great. He added that there's strong interest in green energy and advanced manufacturing, which are both key sectors for growing the Western Cape economy and creating work for residents. 'We've got a linkage between Upper Austria, one of their states, and ourselves. We'll be hosting further engagements in an investment conference, with Governor Thomas Stelzer, later in the year. 'It's about growing economy, and about working together - partnerships out of Europe and here in the southern part of Africa. This is all about the economy. It is all about growth, and it is all about jobs.' Van der Bellen said that it was good to meet with Winde to talk about the potential for cooperation. 'Austrian companies are more than eager to explore new opportunities, particularly in sectors such as green energy and advanced manufacturing.' The delegation also visited several venues and organisations of interest, including the Artscape, where they met with key Artscape staff, such as the CEO, Marlene le Roux, as well as the Artscape Council, including its chairperson, Zak Gordon. They shared some insight into Artscape's operations, both theatrical and administrative, as well as a short tour of the building, ending off with some light refreshments to portray Cape Town's hospitality. Van der Bellen was welcomed by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, and also visited Freedom Park where Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton Mackenzie was present. 'Austria and South Africa enjoy strong bilateral trade and investment relations spanning energy, industrial technology, pharmaceuticals and vocational training. Bilateral trade between South Africa and Austria has been steadily increasing. 'A number of leading Austrian companies are involved in South Africa, through direct investments, distribution and sales offices, or in projects and other services,' Ramaphosa said. 'There are many more opportunities for investment by Austrian companies in South Africa. There are opportunities in areas such as renewable energy generation, agro-processing and component manufacturing opportunities. 'There are also opportunities in critical minerals beneficiations, pharmaceuticals, technology and innovation, among others,' Ramaphosa said. 'We want to see more Austrian tourists coming to South Africa and more South Africans visiting Austria. We are particularly keen to explore eco, sports and heritage tourism.' Ramaphosa said they signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of technical and vocational training. 'We want to learn from Austria on how to achieve the delicate balance between building the workforce of the future and growing the skills needed by the economy today. 'As the South African government, we have consistently affirmed the importance of collaboration with the private sector to drive economic growth and job creation.'
IOL News
26-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
How extortion threatens economic stability in the Western Cape
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde told the gathering that R400 million worth of public infrastructure projects stalled in the province by the end of 2024 due to criminal interference. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers Extortion has emerged as a critical threat to development, public services, and the safety of residents in the Western Cape, according to Premier Alan Winde and Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais. Their remarks came during a high-level Anti-Extortion Summit held in Cape Town on Tuesday, where officials gathered to address the escalating issue. Hosted by the Western Cape Government, the summit brought together law enforcement, business leaders, civil society, and multiple government departments in a bid to confront what officials described as a 'systemic and organised' campaign of criminality. It comes amid growing concern that extortion syndicates are paralysing infrastructure projects, intimidating communities, and undermining job creation. Winde told the gathering that extortion has effectively 'strangled economic growth', with roughly R400 million worth of public infrastructure projects stalled in the province by the end of 2024 due to criminal interference. 'This is intolerable,' he said. 'We must recommit to working closer together to hit back at these criminals. One way in which we can do this is by giving provinces and municipalities more of a say in policing, adequately resourcing the SAPS in our province, with crime intelligence being significantly bolstered, and by properly capacitating the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).' Marais said extortion has evolved into a serious economic and security crisis, threatening livelihoods, delaying service delivery, and destabilising entire sectors. 'Extortion is a direct threat to livelihoods, small businesses, infrastructure development, and public services,' she said. 'It undermines the rule of law, instills fear in communities, and leaves many of our residents despondent.' The growing trend of gangs demanding 'protection fees' from construction companies, business owners, and even public transport operators has created an environment of fear. 'They are not just stealing money,' Marais added. 'They are stealing opportunities which are critical to economic participation and job creation.' The summit saw government and civil society stakeholders commit to a stronger, more coordinated response to organised extortion. A dedicated multi-sectoral structure will be formed to drive anti-extortion strategies across departments and agencies. Improved data-sharing and the enforcement of last year's Collaboration Agreement between the SAPS, the City of Cape Town, and the provincial government were also highlighted as immediate priorities. Premier Winde said public-private cooperation would be crucial to dismantling extortion networks. He also reiterated the Western Cape's longstanding call for policing powers to be devolved so that local government can respond more effectively to organised crime.
IOL News
20-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Premier Winde announces intensified efforts against extortion in Western Cape
Premier Alan Winde outlines the Western Cape's intensified efforts to tackle extortion through cross-sector collaboration. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers. The Western Cape government is intensifying its battle against extortion by implementing a comprehensive, collaborative strategy that brings together law enforcement, the private sector, and local communities. Premier Alan Winde has described this issue as a 'cancer' that threatens both economic growth and public safety in the province. Speaking at his weekly digital press conference (digicon) on safety, Premier Winde was joined by Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) Western Cape Chairperson, Hubert Paulse, to showcase the province's increased multi-sectoral efforts to confront the growing scourge of extortion. 'This was about the whole of government and society coming together to coordinate ourselves better to confront this 'cancer' called extortion and to discuss how we are going to rid ourselves of this horrendous crime that impacts so many of our residents and businesses,' said Winde. 'It strangles economic growth and job creation. Daily, it threatens residents' safety and their livelihoods, robbing them of opportunities and their dignity.' Winde stressed that the only way to dismantle these extortion networks, often referred to as 'extortion mafias', is through collaboration across all levels of society. 'The only way we will eradicate 'extortion mafias' is if we all work together,' he said. Extortion emerged as a key focus at this week's Western Cape Government Multi-Sectoral Anti-Extortion Summit, which convened provincial ministers, SAPS representatives, the City of Cape Town, and academics to coordinate strategies aimed at combating the extortion crisis affecting local communities and businesses. BACSA, a non-profit public-private partnership established in 1996, has played a leading role in building safety partnerships across the country. Paulse highlighted how the organisation's initiatives are being used to fight extortion and other crimes, stating:` 'Our message is simple but powerful. We foster collaboration with all stakeholders to fight crime. When we work together, we do not just reduce crime, we restore hope. And with hope comes confidence. Businesses become more willing to invest, and that investment leads to the creation of more jobs.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading One of BACSA's key crime-fighting tools is its Eyes and Ears Initiative (E2), a technology-driven platform that links private security companies and other vetted partners with SAPS command centres. According to Paulse, this network uses surveillance tech such as drones and licence plate recognition to bolster real-time law enforcement responses. 'The private security industry outnumbers the police service 4:1. We are using that geographical footprint to increase the operational response and awareness of the SAPS,' said Paulse. He added that the Western Cape is 'the first province that has E2 controllers in all 6 policing districts.' Premier Winde reinforced the need to outpace criminals by embracing innovation. 'Criminals are using technology. We have to be one better than them.' Beyond tech solutions, Winde reiterated the importance of community involvement through neighbourhood watches and community policing forums. 'There is no doubt that residents who form or join NHWs know more about what is going on in their areas than anyone else, and they form essential partnerships with SAPS and municipal law enforcement,' he said. Paulse echoed this view, saying, 'We call it 'community-oriented policing'. That is what we are promoting.' Ahead of the digicon, Winde also chaired a meeting of the Western Cape Provincial Safety Council, where he welcomed a recent proposal by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to give metro law enforcement agencies more authority. 'This is a positive step forward, we must all be obsessed and driven by the same thing: to build a safer, prosperous province and country,' the Premier said. The council also received updates on the Safer City Collaboration Cooperation Agreement signed in August 2024, which is focused on strengthening intelligence-sharing and operational coordination between SAPS, provincial departments, and the City of Cape Town. Condemning recent taxi-related violence, Winde praised the swift and coordinated response. 'It is intolerable that disputes are 'negotiated' through the barrel of a gun. I want to commend all the role players, from provincial traffic and city law enforcement to SAPS and our officials, for the speed and coordination with which they responded to the violence and threats. You truly showed how powerful we can be when we work together.' IOL News
